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From the Editor....

Colour returns to this issue with the report from the Cinema and Theatre
Association (CTA). It was CATHS’ privilege to host the CTA tour in February 2006
and the work put in by President Gerry Kennedy and his team in Melbourne and
by Ian Hansen in Sydney was rewarded.

Enthusiasm is infectious, and discussions between our two groups laid
foundations for and possibilities for future interaction. CTA planning for a trip is
legendary, and so is their follow-up. This supplement is a fine way to see our theatre
history through other’s eyes. Part Two, the Sydney leg, will run in the next issue.
The official journal of the Cinema And
Peter Wolfenden’s story about T. J. West brings to life the incredible mix of
Theatre Historical Society Inc.
Australia entertainments and heavy industry that was ‘Just Over Princes Bridge’, one
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly hundred years ago.
★
Of all the lost cinemas of Melbourne, the Padua is the one that most easily
Editor: Ian Smith
★ brings people, who know it only from photos, to voice regret about its loss. The
mystique of this theatre is evident in Brian Scott’s story about his time spent
CinemaRecord Artwork:
working there.
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144
★ The Padua followed the opening of the New Windsor (1936), Hoyts Albury
The main aim of CATHS and this (1937) and Regal Hartwell (1937) in a series of seven designs for Hoyts and
publication is to accurately document and Robert McLeish. In each of these theatres the proscenium designs broke with the
create an archive of the history of
‘high wide and handsome’ exuberance of the twenties. Paradoxically, this group of
cinemas and theatres.
cinemas, superior in every other respect, were poorly suited to the demands of
Input in the form of articles,
constructive criticism, and substantiated wide screen compared to their older cousins.
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and In Part Two of Memoirs of a Film Distributor Peter Broome is sent into the
necessary to enable us to reach our NSW back blocks to sell Fox product to some hard-nosed exhibitors.
objective.
Because of the supplement, Part Two of Reels Across The City is held over,
Opinions expressed are those of the
but not forgotten
Editor or contributors, and unless
expressly stated so, are not necessarily – Ian Smith
those of the Cinema And Theatre
Historical Society Inc.
Articles printed in CinemaRecord NOW SHOWING!
should not be reproduced without the
permission of the author or the editor.
All photos are from the collection of
the person or organisation stated. Every
4 Letters, Newsreel
effort has been made to trace the
ownership of copyright. In the event of 6 T. J. West: Australia's Biggest Film Exhibitor? - Peter Wolfenden
any questions arising as to the use of any
material, the author and publisher will be 12 An Opening and A Closing
happy to make the necessary corrections Westgarth triumphs; Doncaster Twin goes dark
in future printings.
Contributions and suggestions for 13 Cinema and Theatre Association In Australia
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please Part One: On the trail in Victoria
contact the Editor if you are planning
21 Padua From the Inside - Brian Scott
to write an article for the magazine.
We may be able to assist you with 24 Memoirs of a Film Distributor - Peter Broome
information, contacts, etc and it will help Part Two: A Knight of the Road
us with forward planning.
30 Check That Tablecloth - William Gray
★
Contact: Ian Smith
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm)
Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
Email: iansmith8@bigpond.com
Postal Address: PO Box 476, Cover: The rounded frontage of Hoyts Padua in Brunswick, Melbourne, set amongst
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204 a line of vertical shop fronts, was the first indication that here was a special building.

CINEMARECORD 2006 3